Laurent Mekies has been appointed as the new CEO of Red Bull Racing with immediate effect, taking over the team principal duties from Christian Horner, who was dismissed by the company’s management on Wednesday.
Mekies is transitioning from sister team RB, where he has been at the helm for the past year and a half alongside Peter Bayer. Prior to this, Mekies was employed at Ferrari. His responsibilities at RB, the team of drivers Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar, will be assumed by Alan Permane, who is currently serving as the so-called Racing Director.
Regarding Horner’s departure, Mekies remains tight-lipped. In a statement from his current team, he only addresses the role he has played in Faenza. “Over the past year and a half, it has been an absolute privilege to lead the team alongside Peter. The team spirit is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning. Alan is the perfect person to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside and out and has always been a key pillar of our early successes.”